I've had a soft spot for The Island of Dr.Moreau for a long time. James Morrow's The Philosopher's Apprentice brings it back to the fore again. The book is solid, fun and a touch whimsical at times with a subtle undercurrent of horror. It reminds me on a great many levels of it, and I consider it to be, very much, a modern take on the topic- the repercussions of dabbling in what we don't fully understand, in playing god. The book itself is an easy read, though referencing a great many philosophical works and ideas.I fully expect this book to do decently once it comes out in March 08.